Race is to Watch on Tuesday is Republican Primary

MONTPELIER, Vt. - The race to watch on Tuesday is the Republican Primary for governor.

This is the candidate that will likely challenge Incumbent Governor Peter Shumlin (D).

Low turnout is expected today which means every vote really mattered. The most contested primary race is the Republican Primary for governor.

Tuesday's Republican Primary for governor has been anything but average. For starters, two of the candidates seeking the nomination, are not Republicans. The party didn't have a candidate it supported until the last possible day to file.

"It's ultimately up to the Republican voters in Vermont to decide who their nominee will be," Dave Sunderland, of the Vermont Republican Party, said.

Sunderland says they are not endorsing one candidate. The party is only supporting Scott Milne and Steve Berry. They are not supporting Independent Emily Peyton or Libertarian Dan Feliciano, who is not on the ballot but is seeking a write-in.

"I think it's very telling that the Libertarian candidate has actively reached to Republicans and requested a write-in of his name on a Republican ballot, but has already said that if he loses he's going to run as a libertarian anyway. So you have to wonder how much of a Republican is he really?" said Sunderland.

Political Analyst Garrison Nelson says it would be a major upset if Feliciano wins.

"It would put him on the map. The clear potential loser is the Republican Party," Nelson said.

Frontrunner Scott Milne filed for the race on the last possible day.

"There was a hole on the ticket," Nelson said. "He's a reluctant warrior and reluctance isn't something people want out of a candidate, they want fire in the belly."

Sunderland says moving forward, the Vermont GOP wants gain more support by being less exclusive.

"Really broaden our base, and welcome people with some differing views, those with more moderate political views into the Republican party in Vermont in order to make a difference in our state," Sunderland said.

No matter what happens we will see Emily Peyton and Dan Feliciano on the ballot in November.

Peyton will run as an Independent if she loses, and Feliciano will run as a Libertarian.

Governor Shumlin is currently on vacation although there is a Democratic Primary for his seat. He is running against H. Brooke Paige.

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